MicroRNA-23b regulates nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell proliferation and metastasis by targeting E-cadherin

Identification of MicroRNA Expression Profiles Related to the Aggressiveness of Salivary Gland Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) has been reported as the second most common carcinoma of the salivary glands. Few studies have associated miRNA expression with ACC aggressiveness. In this study, we evaluated the miRNA profile of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples of salivary gland ACC patients using the NanoString platform. We studied the miRNA expression levels associated with the solid growth pattern, the more aggressive histologic feature of ACCs, compared with the tubular and cribriform growth patterns. Moreover, the perineural invasion status, a common clinicopathological feature of the disease that is frequently associated with the clinical progression of ACC, was investigated. The miRNAs showing significant differences between the study groups were selected for target prediction and functional enrichment, which included associations with the disease according to dedicated databases. We observed decreased expression of miR-181d, miR-23b, miR-455, miR-154-5p, and miR-409 in the solid growth pattern compared with tubular and cribriform growth patterns. In contrast, miR-29c, miR-140, miR-195, miR-24, miR-143, and miR-21 were overexpressed in patients with perineural invasion. Several target genes of the miRNAs identified have been associated with molecular processes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumor progression. Together, these findings allowed the characterization of miRNAs potentially associated with aggressiveness in salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma. Our results highlight important new miRNA expression profiles involved in ACC carcinogenesis that could be associated with the aggressive behavior of this tumor type.

Promotor Hypomethylation Mediated Upregulation of miR-23b-3p Targets PTEN to Promote Bronchial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Chronic Asthma

Chronic asthma is characterized by airway inflammation and irreversible airway remodeling. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a typical pathological change of airway remodeling. Our previous research demonstrated miR-23b inhibited airway smooth muscle proliferation while the function of miR-23b-3p has not been reported yet. Besides, miRNA is regulated by many factors, including DNA methylation. The function of miR-23b-3p and whether it is regulated by DNA methylation are worth exploring. Balb/c mice were given OVA sensitization to develop the asthmatic model. Expression of miR-23b-3p and EMT markers were measured by RT-qPCR, WB and immunohistochemistry (IHC). DNA methylation was detected by methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and the MassARRAY System. Asthmatic mice and TGF-β1-stimulated bronchial epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) showed EMT with increased miR-23b-3p. Overexpression of miR-23b-3p promoted EMT and migration, while inhibition of miR-23b-3p reversed these transitions. DNA methyltransferases were decreased in asthmatic mice. MSP and MassARRAY System detected the promotor of miR-23b showed DNA hypomethylation. DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5’-AZA-CdZ increased the expression of miR-23b-3p. Meanwhile, PTEN was identified as a target gene of miR-23b-3p. Our results indicated that promotor hypomethylation mediated upregulation of miR-23b-3p targets PTEN to promote EMT in chronic asthma. miR-23b-3p and DNA methylation might be potential therapeutic targets for irreversible airway remodeling.

RNAi-mediated knockdown of PFK1 decreases the invasive capability and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line, CNE-2

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the most prevailing malignancy of the head and neck with unique geographic distribution. Southern China has one of the highest incidence rates of NPC in the world. Although radiotherapy and chemotherapy are the most important treatment modalities for NPC, recurrence, and metastasis severely interfere with the survival quality of patients. It is much-needed to find an effective method of NPC treatment with a good prognosis such as gene therapy. PFK1, a key regulatory enzyme of glycolysis, is frequently shown to be amplified and overexpressed in a variety of human cancers. However, the function of PFK1 and molecular mechanism in NPC is elusive. Here, we knockdown PFK1 expression by utilizing DNA vector-based RNA Interference. Western blotting and real-time PCR show that the expression of PFK1 is efficiently down-regulated in both protein and mRNA levels by stable transfection with PFK1 siRNA expression vector. In addition, stable knockdown of PFK1 expression inhibits cell growth, induces apoptosis, decreases the invasive capability and metastasis in the CNE2 human NPC cell line. This present study finds the importance of PFK1 which can be worked as a novel target in NPC treatment and holds great potential to be extended to other malignant cancers.

Regulators at Every Step-How microRNAs Drive Tumor Cell Invasiveness and Metastasis

Tumor cell invasiveness and metastasis are the main causes of mortality in cancer. Tumor progression is composed of many steps, including primary tumor growth, local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, pre-metastatic niche formation, and metastasis. All these steps are strictly controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNAs can act as oncomiRs that promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis or as tumor suppressor miRNAs that inhibit tumor progression. These miRNAs regulate the actin cytoskeleton, the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors including integrins and ECM-remodeling enzymes comprising matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and regulate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), hence modulating cell migration and invasiveness. Moreover, miRNAs regulate angiogenesis, the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, and metastasis. Thus, miRNAs are biomarkers of metastases as well as promising targets of therapy. In this review, we comprehensively describe the role of various miRNAs in tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis.

Regulators at Every Step—How microRNAs Drive Tumor Cell Invasiveness and Metastasis

Tumor cell invasiveness and metastasis are the main causes of mortality in cancer. Tumor progression is composed of many steps, including primary tumor growth, local invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, pre-metastatic niche formation, and metastasis. All these steps are strictly controlled by microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNA that regulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. miRNAs can act as oncomiRs that promote tumor cell invasion and metastasis or as tumor suppressor miRNAs that inhibit tumor progression. These miRNAs regulate the actin cytoskeleton, the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) receptors including integrins and ECM-remodeling enzymes comprising matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and regulate epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), hence modulating cell migration and invasiveness. Moreover, miRNAs regulate angiogenesis, the formation of a pre-metastatic niche, and metastasis. Thus, miRNAs are biomarkers of metastases as well as promising targets of therapy. In this review, we comprehensively describe the role of various miRNAs in tumor cell migration, invasion, and metastasis.

The MicroRNA-23b/27b/24 Cluster Facilitates Colon Cancer Cell Migration by Targeting FOXP2

Acquisition of cell migration capacity is an early and essential process in cancer development. The aim of this study was to identify microRNA gene expression networks that induced high migration capacity. Using colon cancer HCT116 cells subcloned by transwell-based migrated cell selection, microRNA array analysis was performed to examine the microRNA expression profile. Promoter activity and microRNA targets were assessed with luciferase reporters. Cell migration capacity was assessed by either the transwell or scratch assay. In isolated subpopulations with high migration capacity, the expression levels of the miR-23b/27b/24 cluster increased in accordance with the increased expression of the short C9orf3 transcript, a host gene of the miR-23b/27b/24 cluster. E2F1-binding sequences were involved in the basic transcription activity of the short C9orf3 expression, and E2F1-small-interfering (si)RNA treatment reduced the expression of both the C9orf3 and miR-23b/27b/24 clusters. Overexpression experiments showed that miR-23b and miR-27b promoted cell migration, but the opposite effect was observed with miR-24. Forkhead box P2 (FOXP2) mRNA and protein levels were reduced by both/either miR-23b and miR-27b. Furthermore, FOXP2 siRNA treatment significantly promoted cell migration. Our findings demonstrated a novel role of the miR-23b/27b/24 cluster in cell migration through targeting FOXP2, with potential implications for the development of microRNA-based therapy targeted at inhibiting cancer migration.

miR-23b Negatively Regulates Sepsis-Induced Inflammatory Responses by Targeting ADAM10 in Human THP-1 Monocytes

Background

Previous studies have demonstrated pivotal roles of disintegrin and metalloproteinase 10 (ADAM10) in the pathogenesis of sepsis. MicroRNA- (miR-) 23b has emerged as an anti-inflammatory factor that prevents multiple autoimmune diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms of miR-23b in the regulation of ADAM10 and sepsis remain uncharacterized.

Methods

The expression levels of ADAM10 and miR-23b were detected by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot analysis. Cytokine production and THP-1 cell apoptosis were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent and annexin V apoptosis assays. Bioinformatics analyses and qRT-PCR, western blot, and luciferase reporter assays were performed to identify ADAM10 as the target gene of miR-23b.

Results

miR-23b expression was downregulated in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of sepsis patients and LPS-induced THP-1 cells and was negatively correlated with the expression of ADAM10 and inflammatory cytokines. miR-23b regulated ADAM10 expression by directly binding to the 3′-UTR of ADAM10 mRNA. The overexpression of miR-23b alleviated the LPS-stimulated production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and apoptosis by targeting ADAM10 in THP-1 cells. The inhibitor or knockdown of ADAM10 elicited effects similar to those of miR-23b on THP-1 cells upon LPS stimulation.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrated that miR-23b negatively regulated LPS-induced inflammatory responses by targeting ADAM10. The molecular regulatory mechanism of miR-23b in ADAM10 expression and sepsis-induced inflammatory consequences may provide potential therapeutic targets for sepsis.

LncRNA LOC728196/miR-513c axis facilitates glioma carcinogenesis by targeting TCF7

Numerous long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are reported to be dysregulated in glioma. However, how lncRNA participates in the process of glioma development and progression still remains elusive. Here, we identified a novel lncRNA LOC728196 highly expressed in glioma tissues. LOC728196 high expression predicts low survival rate in patients. Our data proved that LOC728196 knockdown repressed cellular growth, migration and invasion in vitro. Silencing LOC728196 led to impaired growth of glioma in vivo. Mechanistic studies further demonstrated that LOC728196 acts as the sponge for miR-513c to upregulate TCF7 expression. We observed a reciprocal inhibition between LOC728196 and miR-513c. Rescue assay showed that either inhibition of miR-513c or TCF7 overexpression restored the abilities of proliferation, migration and invasion in LOC728196-silenced glioma cells. Taken together, our study provides a comprehensive investigation on the role of LOC728196 in glioma progression and contributes to understanding the vital role of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA).

IRE1α prevents hepatic steatosis by processing and promoting the degradation of select microRNAs

Obesity or a high-fat diet represses the endoribonuclease activity of inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), a transducer of the unfolded protein response (UPR) in cells under endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. An impaired UPR is associated with hepatic steatosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is caused by lipid accumulation in the liver. We found that IRE1α was critical to maintaining lipid homeostasis in the liver by repressing the biogenesis of microRNAs (miRNAs) that regulate lipid mobilization. In mice fed normal chow, the endoribonuclease function of IRE1α processed a subset of precursor miRNAs in the liver, including those of the miR-200 and miR-34 families, such that IRE1α promoted their degradation through the process of regulated IRE1-dependent decay (RIDD). A high-fat diet in mice or hepatic steatosis in patients was associated with the S-nitrosylation of IRE1α and inactivation of its endoribonuclease activity. This resulted in an increased abundance of these miRNA families in the liver and, consequently, a decreased abundance of their targets, which included peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα) and the deacetylase sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), regulators of fatty acid oxidation and triglyceride lipolysis. IRE1α deficiency exacerbated hepatic steatosis in mice. The abundance of the miR-200 and miR-34 families was also increased in cultured, lipid-overloaded hepatocytes and in the livers of patients with hepatic steatosis. Our findings reveal a mechanism by which IRE1α maintains lipid homeostasis through its regulation of miRNAs, a regulatory pathway distinct from the canonical IRE1α-UPR pathway under acute ER stress.

Downregulation of SETD8 by miR-382 is involved in glioma progression

BACKGROUND

SETD8 (named PR-SET7 or KMT5a) has been reported to regulate various biological processes including carcinogenesis. However, the role of SETD8 in glioma progression has not been investigated.

METHOD

qPCR and western blot were used to detect the expression levels of miR-382 and SETD8. MTT and wound healing assay used to detect the cell proliferation and migratory capability. A predicted target of miR-382 (SETD8) was first validated using a luciferase assay.

RESULTS

In this study, we found that SETD8 expression was evidently upregulated in glioma tissues and glioma cells, compared with the adjacent normal tissues and normal human astrocytes (NHA). Next, we showed that SETD8 evidently induced cell proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. In addition,dual-luciferase assays revealed that miR-382 directly regulates oncogenic SETD8 expression in U87 and U251 cells. Finally a statistically significant inverse correlation of miR-382 and SETD8 expression was observed in 30 glioma patients.

CONCLUSION

These data indicated that oncogenic SETD8 was regulated by miR-382 and involved glioma progression, revealing new therapeutic targets for glioma cancer.

Interaction between miR-572 and PPP2R2C, and their effects on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells

We investigated the how miR-572 regulates PPP2R2C, and studied the effects of miR-572 and PPP2R2C on proliferation and migration as well as invasion of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) cells. NPC tissues and normal tissues were collected, and the expressions of miR-572 and PPP2R2C were detected by real-time PCR. Western blot was applied to detect the expression of PPP2R2C protein. The target relationship between miR-572 and PPP2R2C was confirmed by dual luciferase reporter gene assay. MTT assay and flow cytometry were applied to investigate the viability and apoptosis levels of NPC cells. Transwell as well as wound healing assays were used, respectively, to detect the invasiveness and migration of NPC cells. MiR-572 was highly expressed in NPC tissues as well as NPC cells, and there was lower expression of PPP2R2C in NPC tissues compared with normal samples. MiR-572 could bind to the 3' UTR of PPP2R2C and decrease its expression. Over-expressed miR-572 and decreased PPP2R2C expression could both inhibit proliferation and invasion and induce apoptosis of NPC cells. Thus, miR-572 promotes the proliferation and invasion of NPC by directly down-regulating PPP2R2C.

Elevation of MiR-9-3p suppresses the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells via down-regulating FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV

MicroRNAs had been proved to be pivotal regulators in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) by regulating a large amount of genes' expression. In our research, we aim to explore the functions of miR-9-3p on the metastases of NPC and figure out the potential mechanisms. First, we revealed downregulation of miR-9-3p and upregulation of fibronectin 1 (FN1), β1 integrin (ITGB1) and α5 integrin (ITGAV) expression in NPC tissues and cells compared with the normal using RNA-seq analysis, RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry. By transfection of miR-9-3p mimics in CNE-1, CNE-2 and HONE-1 cells, we confirmed tumor-suppressing roles of miR-9-3p via suppressing EMT process by MTT, wound scratch, transwell assay and western blot. After constructing luciferase reporting plasmids and transient transfection in HEK 293T cells, we proved that FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV were all targets of miR-9-3p. Then we manipulated the expression of miR-9-3p, FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV in HONE-1 cells, verifying the tumor-promoting effect of FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV on cell proliferation and metastases via facilitating EMT process of cells. Additionally, these functions of FN1, ITGB1 and ITGAV could be efficiently abrogated by overexpression of miR-9-3p. Taken together, we demonstrated that elevation of miR-9-3p suppresses the proliferation and metastases of NPC via downregulating FN1, ITGB1, ITGAV and inhibiting the EMT process, which provided a series of therapeutic targets for the treatment of NPC.

Effects of miR-338 on morphine tolerance by targeting CXCR4 in a rat model of bone cancer pain

The present study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-338 on morphine tolerance through the targeting of CXC chemokine receptor-4 (CXCR4) in a rat model of bone cancer pain (BCP). Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were obtained and divided into model saline (n=10), model morphine (n=50), normal saline (n=10) and normal morphine (healthy rats, n=10) groups. After BCP rat model establishment, the remaining SD rats (n=40) in the model saline group were assigned into pLV-THM-miR-338, pLV-THM-anti-miR-338, CXCR4 shRNA, blank and PBS groups. Luciferase reporter gene assay was used for luciferase activity. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting were performed to detect the miR-338 and CXCR4 mRNA and protein expression. The model saline group showed increased mRNA and protein expressions of CXCR4 but decreased miR-338 compared with the model saline group, and the model morphine group had increased mRNA and protein expressions of CXCR4 but decreased miR-338 compared with the model saline group. The mRNA and protein expressions of miR-338 in the pLV-THM-miR-338 group increased remarkably while those of the pLV-THM-anti-miR-338 group decreased significantly compared with the CXCR4 shRNA, blank and PBS groups. The pLV-THM-miR-338, pLV-THM-anti-miR-338, CXCR4 shRNA and CXCR4 mRNA groups all had lower mRNA and protein expressions of CXCR4 than those in the blank and PBS groups. miR-338 exerts significant influence in the inhibition of morphine tolerance by suppressing CXCR4 in BCP.

microRNA-23b suppresses epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma via targeting Pyk2

Numerous microRNAs (miRNAs) have been shown to play important roles in various cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the functions and mechanisms of the miRNAs involved in HCC progress and metastasis still remain unknown. We downloaded the normalized data of microRNA expression profiling of HCC comparing primary tumor with lung metastasis from GEO database (GSE26323), and gain a group of metastasis-related candidate miRNAs. Among the candidate miRNAs, we focused on miR-23b for further study. The association of metastasis-related miR-23b with survival was also explored. Furthermore, the effects of miR-23b on biological role in HCC were demonstrated by MTT proliferation assay, wound healing and migration assay and the EMT related markers was analyzed by Western blot. Potential target genes of miR-23b were predicted using TargetScan and PicTar and confirmed by luciferase activity assay. A rescue experiment was performed to verify whether the function of miR-23b was exerted via regulation of its target. Our results showed that miR-23b expression was significantly decreased in HCC tissues, which was more importantly, positively correlated to the intrahepatic metastasis of HCC. Meanwhile, patients with low miR-23b expression had significantly poorer prognosis. Overexpression of miR-23b could inhibit MHCC97L cell proliferation, migration, invasion and regulate the expression of MMPs and EMT-associated genes. Moreover, Pyk2, one of the crucial regulators of EMT, was identified as a direct target of miR-23b. In addition, the inhibitory effects of miR-23b overexpression on the metastasis could be restored by Pyk2 overexpression. This study revealed that miR-23b was a tumor suppressor which may regulate HCC migration and invasion by targeting Pyk2 via regulation of EMT, implicating a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC treatment.